The tragedy that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut this past Friday is heartbreaking and a fear on every parent’s mind. We take our kids to school and expect that they will be safe while they are there. It is just inconceivable to think that someone could incur such wrath on small innocent children. In reflection of this horrible act of violence, schools across the country are researching ways for parents to discuss the situation with their children. The National Association of School Psychologists has come out with the following information to help console our children:
1) Reassure kids that they are safe.
Start off by explaining that their feelings of fear, insecurity, heartache, or sadness are normal and okay. Emphasize that in general schools are very safe places. This was an isolated incident.
2) Spend extra time talking with them.
Be patient and watch for any clues that they want to talk. Sometimes kids don’t come right out with questions, but will hover around while you are cooking, cleaning, working or on the computer. Stop what you are doing and start the conversation. Let them ask as many questions as necessary to help them understand and feel safer.
3) Keep explanations age appropriate.
Early elementary school kids need simple and brief information along with reassurances of examples of how the schools are always working to keep them safe. This is why we have lockdown and other safety drills. Middle and High school students will be more vocal about their opinions about the cause of violence. Let them talk about their views and emphasize to them their roles in maintaining safety. For example, they should report strangers on campus, not bully other children, and report any threats to school safety that they hear from another student.
4) Limit television viewing.
The news channels will be reporting this tragedy 24/7. This information can cause further anxiety and confusion. Avoid having the news running when the kids are around.
5) Maintain a normal routine.
Try to continue with a regular schedule. This sense of balance and knowing what to expect next will help calm nerves.
It is normal that children who have been exposed to this news might feel overwhelmed, anxious and fearful. Be on hyper alert to notice if your child is having an extreme reaction. Seek professional help if this occurs, but generally symptoms will reside over time. Many parents might find themselves feeling insecure about their own parenting skills during this difficult time. Taking parenting classes online is a convenient, easy and stress-free way of getting additional education on current and successful parenting techniques.
Online parenting classes use a psycho-educational approach to better parenting. They are low in cost and ideal for the busy parent because they can be taken from any web-based computer, whenever the caregiver has free time. Parents learn the different stages of childhood development, and how to best communicate with the child at every stage. Different parenting styles are discussed to help focus in on the one that best suits your family, and gets everyone on the same page. Successful anger and conflict resolution techniques, proper rewards and discipline, and stress management are all covered. Most of all, these classes will help you avoid the typical mistakes parents make. A four hour online parenting class can be taken from any of the 50 states and is an extremely useful tool to use to help your children get through emotionally difficult situations like the one our nation is currently experiencing.